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Boeing Field was the final stop on 737 MAX 7’s first flight

The Boeing Company’s 737 MAX 7 moments before it touches down at King County International Airport/Boeing Field following its first flight on Friday, March 16, 2017. Photo by Matthew Sykora

The Boeing Company’s 737 MAX program reached a milestone today, and the airport was once again part of it.

Today marked the first flight of the 737 MAX 7 – the newest and smallest member of the company’s 737 MAX family of airplanes with a range of 3,850 nautical miles, the longest of any of the company’s popular “narrowbody” aircraft.

The aviation world has eagerly anticipated its launch, and by most accounts today’s flight was a success. The company says the aircraft took off from Renton at 10:17 a.m. The pilots put the aircraft through various tests – including its flight controls, systems and handling – and it reached the tip of the Olympic Peninsula and crossed back over to Moses Lake in central Washington, according to Geekwire.com.

Three hours later, the aircraft emerged from the south and, following a northerly flow, touched down at 1:22 p.m., at King County International Airport/Boeing Field.

Enthusiasts positioned on the west border of the airfield snapped pictures as the aircraft – emblazoned with a “7” across its vertical stabilizer and rudder – guided northward on Main Runway 14R/32L.

The 737 MAX 7 is scheduled for its first delivery next year.

Congratulations to The Boeing Company on its big moment, and we’re happy the airport helped make it happen!

The Boeing Company’s 737 MAX 7 taxis at King County International Airport/Boeing Field following its first flight on Friday, March 16, 2017.